The Cavaliers’ news conference to introduce center DeSagana Diop to the Cleveland media in June 2001 was one for the ages.
Then-coach John Lucas went around the room giving people high-fives for their steal in the draft at No. 8 overall.
Lucas boldly predicted the 7-foot, 300-pounder would be an All-Star in two years.
Once the microphone made its way to the Oak Hill Academy product, the bravado continued. Diop said he couldn’t wait to dunk on Shaquille O’Neal, then the best center in the league.
It was quite a scene.
But those nervy predictions proved to be nothing more than bluster. In four seasons with the Cavs from 2001-02 to 2004-05, he never averaged more than 2.3 points and 3.6 rebounds.
“We were having fun (at the news conference),” Diop said on Thursday at Cleveland Clinic Courts. “Everyone who is drafted, they say they want to be the best.”
Diop is back with the Cavs. He has a non-guaranteed, make-good contract.
The team has bulked up at center with the uncertainty surrounding Andrew Bynum’s knees.
There are scenarios in which Diop could make the team.
As Cavs general manager Chris Grant said on media day, “Big guys are hard to find.”
Diop’s agent, Leon Rose, arranged for his client to work out for the Cavs the week before camp. They were impressed enough to invite him to camp.
“It’s been eight years since I left (Cleveland),” Diop said. “It’s weird coming back. I never thought I’d be back playing for the Cavs again.”
During his first stint with the Cavs, he was constantly on the injured list.
He came to the Cavs in a walking boot after breaking his foot at Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va.
“I weighed about 330,” Diop said.
“Every year I was here, I got hurt. Then I hurt my knee. I never got a chance to be healthy.”
He played his best basketball in Dallas under Coach Avery Johnson. Then came five seasons in Charlotte. He managed to stay on the court for 22 games last year with the Bobcats.
“It was the same thing, more injuries (in Charlotte),” he said. “I tore my Achilles. I was never the same.”
He suffered another knee problem, and his weight started to balloon again. He was also affected by the lockout.
Diop said he weighs 290 pounds. He wants to trim another 10 to 15 pounds.
“I’m better than I felt last year,” he said. “I feel I can get to another level. I’m working out and lifting before practice.”
He likes his chances of making the team.
“I think they need a big,” Diop said. “I can only control what I can control. I have to work hard. If I don’t make it, then I know I did everything in my power. There’s no pressure at all.
“When you put pressure on yourself, that’s when you mess up. I’m not doing it for the money, but $1.4 million is $1.4 million.”
Cavs coach Mike Brown said he hasn’t ruled out anyone from making the final roster.
“(Diop) was brought in to have an opportunity to make this team,” he said. “I don’t think he’s guaranteed, so this is going to be a process for him of trying to make this team. We like his size.
“Obviously, he’s an NBA veteran who has played heavy minutes in this league at the center position. If he can go, it can help us not only at game time but at practice time, too.”Quick shots
-- The Cavs are giving away preseason game tickets. If fans buy two eight-packs of Pepsi products at Discount Drug Mart using their courtesy card, they get six free tickets to a preseason game at Quicken Loans Arena. The first preseason game is Tuesday.
-- Cavs’ single-game tickets through Jan. 28 — the first 23 games — will go on sale Saturday.
-- To salute the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces, the Cavaliers have announced the Wine & Gold Scrimmage will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Baldwin Wallace University.

About the Author

Bob has covered the Cavs for The News-Herald and Morning Journal since 1995. He's a graduate of Kent State University and New Philadelphia High School. Reach the author at rfinnan@morningjournal.com
or follow Bob on Twitter: @BobCavsInsider.